National Museum of Korea Signs Agreement with Seoul Police Agency: "Supporting Psychological Recovery through Cultural Heritage"

Strengthening the Public Role of the Museum

The National Museum of Korea announced on November 26 that it had signed a business agreement with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on November 25. The agreement centers on jointly conducting a psychological recovery program based on the museum's cultural heritage.

Yoo Hongjun, Director of the National Museum of Korea (left in the photo), and Park Jungbo, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, are taking a commemorative photo after signing a business agreement. Photo by National Museum of Korea

This agreement was established to provide active police officers, who handle criminal cases, with opportunities for self-reflection within the museum space, thereby alleviating psychological stress. The purpose is to share the power of reflection, contemplation, and healing inherent in the museum's cultural heritage with police officers, and to explore the expansion of the museum's social role.

Since November this year, the National Museum of Korea has been piloting an educational program called "The Path of Museum Philosophy" for frontline police officers. Before the museum opens at 10 a.m., the journey begins with singing bowl meditation in the third-floor Buddhist Sculpture Gallery. Participants then proceed through the White Porcelain Gallery, the Donor Gallery, and the Room for Contemplation, ending at the outdoor exhibition area. The museum considers the act of "walking" between artifacts itself as part of the contemplative experience. Participants wear individual headsets and listen to specially curated music as they walk. They pause in front of exhibits to reflect on themselves, regulate their breathing while walking with the music, and quietly release daily tension through writing exercises.

Under the agreement, the educational program will be fully implemented starting next year. From 2026, the program will be expanded to include police officers from various fields, including the Victim Protection Team. The National Museum of Korea plans to use this agreement as an opportunity to further strengthen the museum's public function.

Director Yoo Hongjun stated, "Because the museum is a cultural asset for all citizens, its significance lies in fulfilling diverse roles for people living in our time. I hope this program provides police officers with an opportunity to look within themselves through the museum's cultural heritage and gain the strength to return to the field."

Commissioner Park Jungbo of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency also commented, "This agreement marks a meaningful starting point, as it brings the healing power of cultural heritage to policing activities based on empathy and sincerity. The Seoul police will continue to cooperate to realize policing that cares for the hearts of citizens."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.